The U.S. government’s current Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that adults aged 60 and over should consume two to three and a half cups of vegetables and one and a half to two cups of fruits daily depending on their weight and activity level, yet often seniors aren’t hitting those numbers. In addition, according to a recent study by the FDA, many older Americans aren’t getting enough dietary fiber, Vitamin D, calcium and potassium. Apples, strawberries, and broccoli are great sources of fiber; egg yolks and mushrooms are chock full of Vitamin D; kale, collard greens, and bok choy have lots of calcium; and spinach, peas and zucchini are a good choice for increasing your potassium intake. What do these foods have in common? All are locally-grown and available at area farmer’s markets. Here are six markets selling food to feel good about:
Old Town Farmers Market
Operating for more than 260 years, this is the oldest farmers’ market in the country held continuously at the same site; George Washington actually sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. In peak season more than 70 vendors sell fruits and vegetables as well as breads, cheeses, meats, and seafood. Bring your list, get what you need for the week’s meals and then grab a juice or coffee and take a brisk walk to the riverfront. The market is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon, and is located at 301 King Street, Market Square, in front of City Hall. Parking is free in the Market Square Parking Garage (301 King Street).
Dale City Farmers Market
This market run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation that first opened in 1987 has more than 50 local vendors, making it one of the area’s largest year-round open-air markets. It’s also a producer-only market, which means that everything sold there must be grown or made by the vendor selling it. The market is open Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April to November, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. December to March; it’s located on the Dale City Commuter Lot between Center Plaza Shopping Center and the Comcast Building on Dale Boulevard.
Quantico Farmers Market
Open to DOD military and civilian personnel, their family members, and support contractors working on base, this market offers vegetables, fruits, meats, baked goods, herbs, and eggs. The market is located at the Marine Corps Exchange parking lot next to McDonald’s, at 3500 Russell Road, and it’s open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through September.
Arcadia Farm Mobile Market
This farm in Fairfax County is situated on a shared property along with a historic site with ties to George Washington and Frank Lloyd Wright’s only public home in Virginia. Their Mobile Market is a farm-stand-on-wheels, distributing local and sustainably-produced food to underserved communities with stops at community and rec centers, low-income living facilities, parks, and healthcare providers. Most of the offerings are grown at the farm, with the rest produced within 125 miles of the D.C. area. Check the website for the schedule and locations.
Great Country Farms
This sprawling complex in western Loudoun County began in the 1980s as a roadside wagon vegetable stand operated by the Zurschmeide family. Today it’s still run by the same family but is a working farm, cidery, winery, and brewery as well as a place to pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the season. You can also buy fresh produce, farm eggs, local honey, baked goods, and meat at the Farm Market. // 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont
Arlington Farmers Market
Established in 1979, this market run by Fresh Farm is one of the area’s largest weekly celebrations of local food, from heirloom vegetables to pastured bison. You can avoid the lone lines by reserving a shopping time slot on OpenTable, and also pre-order and pick up your items. Running Saturdays April 17 to December 18 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. // 1400 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington
For more ways to spend your time in Northern Virginia, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
